Canyons and Canyoneering

M any visitors to Arizona seem to think there is just one canyon - the Grand Canyon. Arizona contains some of the nations toughest slots and technical canyons. From the short day hike of Antelope canyon to the state's toughest - Hells Gate- almost any length and challenge can be tackled.

C anyoneering takes a number of outdoor skills, knowledge of rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, rappelling, swimming as well as important low impact and Leave No Trace ethics. Unless you have significant outdoor ability do not attempt a canyon on your own.

Antelope Canyon is one of the few canyons that can be done in an easy day hike with no experience. Governed and guided by the Navajo nation this is a one mile in and back hike through the most photographed slot canyon in the world. Contact the Navajo Nation Lechee sub-office at 928.698.3360 for pricing and reservations.

Aravaipa Canyon was designated a wilderness area in 1984 and expanded in 1990 in part to protect its rare riparian habitat in the harsh desert lands. The canyon is 11 miles from end to end and while there are no trails, it's pretty hard to get lost in the canyon - simply follow the wide shallow stream. The Park Service charges a $5/day per person fee for use. Call ahead to the Safford Field Office (1.520.348.4400) to recieve your permit in the mail along with a pretty good map of the area. The canyon is limited to 50 people a day. Be sure to plan in advance for this trip as spring and early summer can fill up months ahead.

There are no real canyoneering skills needed for this trip - what I mean is there is no required rappeling or swimming in order to traverse the canyon. In fact it's a 430' gain from the west to the east end over the 11 mile length.... that isn't much.
The side canyons - Horsecamp Canyon, Hells Half Acre for example offer the slot canyon rugged adventure for someone with a rope and gumption to scramble up the walls. A reminder this is a wilderness area, if you decide to push the side canyon, no bolting or any other kind of permanent item (such as webbing) is allowed. The canyon is extremely pristine for the amount and variety of people it sees, please do your part to keep it clean.

West Clear Creek is about 30 miles long overall. The far west and eastern ends offer low committment hiking opportunities to and from the creek itself. The central section provides the challenge as the creek drops 500-600ft below the steep Coconino sandstone, cutting slots in places only 30ft wide. A lot of swimming and pack floating is involved in this canyon. Several rappels may be necessary depending on whether you take Meadow wash to access the creek. Other side canyons provide access with careful downclimbs or shorter (20ft or less) rappels.

The canyon offers some of the best scenery in the state with beautiful campsots. Be mindful of the weather, the creek water level is fairly consistent year round but the summers - before the seasonal rains - is the best time to enjoy the water of the canyon - the surface temps can reach over 100 °F so you must still be wary of dehydration. Fall and spring months find that the smaller pools will be frozen and the larger pools require drysuits.

Salome Canyon or 'The Jug' - Is a 5 mile round trip hike. About half the hike is along an old jeep road in the desert north of Roosevelt Lake. This road leads you into the Salome which is on your right. Be patient and go into the water when it's easy to scramble the basalt. Head dowstream and the rock quickly becomes polished pink granite complete with natural waterslides, a perfect way to enjoy the hot ambient temperature.

Water levels to change dramatically in this canyon and it can be hard to guess when the highest levels are. I've been in there when the pools are isolated, stagnant and warm, making the trek like a tour of warmed bathtubs. Other times, such as in the photos, the water levels are high making plenty of slides and a possible jump off the 20ft rappel into the largest pool of the canyon. Be careful before jumping to the last pool that it's deep enough, meaning in only the highest of water levels. Otherwise have a 50ft rope to make the rappel.

Getting out of the canyon isn't hard - continue until the canyon walls simply end. It's a drastic change and right past the final stone walls take the nondescript trail on canyon right back to the jeep trail. Filter water in one of the final pools before the trek out - it'll get hot fast in the summer.

West Fork of Oak Creek - This is part of Oak Creek that runs through the whole Sedona area and is partially responsible for the amazing rock and canyon formations you'll see out there. Day use is $5, and the first three miles through the canyon are well marked. After those first 3 miles, the trail disappears as you are obligated to start traveling through the water straight up the canyon. It will be obvious because 99% of the people in this canyon turn around at this point. Camping is allowed after 6 miles from the trailhead.

No photographs may be downloaded from this site without permission from the webmaster . No information is all inclusive; factors such as weather, physical and mental ability, gear, and unforseen events can make or break the trip. Die in the Desert nor Canyon Trek are responsible for accuracy of information provided herein as this website is a guide, not sole instruction for any particular activity. Seek instruction before starting any activity listed on this site, either through Canyon Trek Guides or another well qualified source.